Hormonal Skin Diseases
The effects of hormones on skin can be complex and difficult to diagnose. The thyroid gland, putuitary gland, adrenal glands, testicles, and ovaries all produce hormones which if excessive (hyper), deficient (hypo), or out of balance produce changes in the skin and hair.
The characteristics of all hormonal skin problems are: loss of hair in an evenly distributed pattern on each side of the body, darkening of the skin, no pruritis (itching) and a chronic duration. The skin changes are just one symptom of hormonal abnormalities; other body systems are aslo affected and the signs related to these may be more diagnostic than the skin changes.
Male Dogs—Sex Hormone Problems
The most frequent encountered skin problems in male dogs related to sex hormones is the overproduction of estrogen (female hormone), which causes feminization of the dog. One cause is a tumor of the testicles, called a Sertoli cell tumor; in other cases the testicles appear normal and the cause is unknown.
Signs include a loss of hair, particularly on the flanks and in the genital area; mammary gland enlargement and sometimes milk production; lack of libido; attractiveness to other male dogs; darkening and tickenning of the skin; oiliness of the skin; and excessive wax in the ears. If the cause is from a tumor, the affected testicle will be enlarged, but often the testicle is retained to the abdomen and cannot be seen.
Castration is recommended, particularly if a tumor is suspected. A replacement testosterone (male hormone) injection may be given. Medicated shampoos and ear cleaning will help improve the skin condition. Corticosteroids can be used as an alternative to castration if the cause is not from a tumor and, in some cases, may be required following castration.
Female Dogs—Sex Hormone Problems
Hyperestrogenism is the production of too much estrogen in the female dog, and is most commonly due to cysts on the ovaries. Symptoms include loss of hair on the flanks an genital areas, and later on the abdomen and under the elbows. The skin darkens, becomes oily, and the ears produce excessive wax. Infertility, false pregnancy, and enlargement of the vulva and mammary glands with milk production are other common symptoms.
Treatment is best performed with ovariohysterectomy (spay). Medicated shampoos and ear treatment are also recommended. The prognosis is good in the majority of cases and response is seen about three weeks of surgery.
Hypoestrogenism is a condition caused by too low production of estrogen and is seen most often in dogs which have been spayed. There is a gradual loss and thinning of the hair starting in the genital and lower abdominal areas, and eventually spreading to the chest, neck, and ears. The skin is soft and smooth, and the coat is very fine. The nipples and vulva are small, and there may be dribbling of urine.
Replacement synthetic female hormones usually reverses the symptoms, although they may need to be given for a number of months before a response is noted.
Go Pets America recommends seeking the advice of your local veterinarian for the most appropriate vaccination program and for the diagnosis and treatment of your pet's health problems. For vaccination requirements please contact your state and local licensing authorities.
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